A Whippet Terrier mix is a hybrid dog with a Whippet parent and a Terrier parent. Dogs from the terrier group are all energetic, active and independent dogs. Whippet Terrier mixes are all fast runners with a strong prey drive. Whippet Terrier mixes are adaptable dogs that do well in apartments or large homes. They are generally pretty family friendly too, as long as they get plenty of exercise. This mix isn’t the best combination with other small pets. However, with plenty of training and socialization they do learn to get along okay with cats that they have grown up with.
Contents
- Prey drive and work ethic
- Variations in appearances
- Temperament traits and training
- Whippet Terrier mix puppies
Working Histories
Hailing from the sighthound group, the Whippet is a descendant of the famous Greyhound. Lightning-quick and a keen hunter, the Whippet was created in England to be used primarily for hunting small animals such as rodents and rabbits. They became a favorite in racing sports, utilizing his lean body and loyal nature to win matches for his master.
Terrier dogs were created in Ireland and Great Britain and were originally used for hunting, usually vermin such as rats and mice. Some variations of terrier, such as the Wheaten Terrier, were also used for herding. Today, terrier breeds are mostly family pets, adored for their feisty, spunky, affectionate personalities.
What Will the Whippet Terrier Mix Look Like?
Because the Whippet Terrier mix is a crossbreed, his looks will vary depending on what type of specific Terrier breed he is bred from, as well as whatever else he inherits from his purebred parents.
The best way to determine what your Whippet Terrier mix might look like is to take a look at the basic physical traits of his parents.
The Whippet generally stands about 18-22 inches tall and weighs around 25-40 pounds. He is a medium-sized dog with a shorter coat, lean body, and pointed face. The Terrier group’s features are a bit more wide-ranging. While some terriers are very small, averaging 2.7 pounds, others can grow to be as large as 70 pounds!
Terrier types can have coats ranging from short to long. Some are considered hypoallergenic, meaning they don’t shed much, and some do shed. However, first generation Whippet Terrier mixes will almost always have short coats that shed profusely.
Popular Whippet Terrier Mixes
- Rat Terrier Whippet mix
- Bedlington Terrier Whippet
- Bull Terrier Whippet
- Jack Russell Terrier Whippet mix
- Whippet Fox Terrier mix
- Border Terrier Cross Whippet
Whippet Terrier Mix Temperament and Behavior
Whippets and Terriers in general have a lot of personality similarities. They are both active, intelligent and driven dogs. However, while the Whippet is known for his friendly, curious, and calm demeanor, most Terriers are feisty, outgoing and energetic!
Your Whippet Terrier mix is going to likely have a higher prey drive. For this reason, he may not do well with other, smaller household pets like guinea pigs, rats, birds, or even cats.
However, both the Whippet and Terrier groups are known to do well with children and in family settings. They are both intelligent and affectionate, and should make wonderful family companions.
Early socialization and obedience training will help ensure he is a happy, healthy, well-rounded dog. One who can go with you everywhere without worry.
One thing you should keep in mind, however, is that the Whippet especially is extremely fast. Since you are dealing with a crossbreed that has Whippet parentage, you should have a safely enclosed backyard with a fence that is at least five feet tall.
Whippets are known for jumping and running, and your Whippet Terrier mix’s high prey drive could mean he will take off at rocket speed after anything smaller than him that moves.
Potential Health Problems
In general this mix is going to be fairly healthy, as most Terriers and the Whippet have good structure and a high level of physical fitness.
The Whippet, with his lifespan of 12-15 years, is most prone to cancer, epilepsy and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. They can also have eye problems that could lead to blindness such as cataracts, as well as heart diseases, diarrhea from stress or food intolerance.
(paid link) Whippets are also more sensitive to extreme weather conditions because of their lower body weight and short coats. For this reason, they are not meant to be outdoor dogs. They are also more susceptible to problems with anesthetics.
The Terrier group’s lifespan can range from 8-17 years, depending on which type of Terrier you are dealing with. Some of the most common health issues in Terriers are patellar luxation, intervertebral disk disease, pancreatitis, and ectropion.
Whippet Terrier Mix Puppies
Although they aren’t the most common hybrid dog, you will find Whippet Terrier mix puppies advertised occasionally. If you aren’t picky about which Terrier type they come from your search will be a lot quicker.
Look for a breeder who is open about their dogs’ medical histories, and who has them for a purpose beyond breeding. They should be treasured pets, working companions or take part in another canine activity. The mother should know her owner and her own name, and have a relaxed attitude to you viewing her puppies.
Barbara Viney says
My female Charlie is almost 7, adopted at 3.5. She is Whippet and Jack Russel mix. All Jack Russell coloring and 32 pounds of pure unconditional love. She is a talker and tslks back like a teenager. She literally hugs, snuggles, kisses affectionately, sleeps under the covers (unfortunately), loves to go for walks, and play tug of war. She doesnt know how to play catch but she is great at fetch and tease and tug of war! She has a different personality for each of us [5 adultish family members] and definitely knows i am the alpha in the house so she is all over me for decisions and direction. She barks when people arrive and when they leave. We usebher crate to contain the energy. She is trainable – roll, shake, combat crawl, up dance and turn around. Hair is sleek and buttery soft but she sheds like a Jack Russell so there is enough hair to make a coat. This means we do a defurmination every couple months. Nails are black so hard to see the quick. Energy is high for visitors and when we return home, very high and cratable to calm her. We made a GREAT choice with her.
Beth & Dan says
We adopted our whippet terrier mix exactly a year ago today. She was found in a remote dump at about a year old, skinny and hungry, had recently had a litter of pups. It took her two weeks to bark at all, she was so afraid; she’d flinch and cower if we moved fast or picked up a stick. She’d clearly been very badly treated. Now she has gained about 6 pounds and is 20″ tall at shoulder, a very lean svelte 35 pounds. She runs hard and fast, plays joyfully, is one of the sweetest most universally friendly and loving dogs I have ever known, and loves to snuggle. Looks like a whippet spray painted with Jack Russell colors, smooth short coat. Perfect pet <3
SA jackson says
I adopted a whippet terrier mix. Rescue. Best snuggle bug ever. He loves to be loved and loves to give it back. His life was very upsetting. He is safe now. And so glad I adopted him.
Chuck Leif says
My dog was 15 year and 4 month. She went for a walk last Tuesday and when we got back home she rolled over and died at my side. She must have had a hear attack. She was a Doberman mix. I am looking at the Whippet Terrier Mix. She had been having health issues for about a year. She had over 100 stuffed animals. Every day a different animal would be her favorite..
Jody says
I adopted a Jack Russell whippet 2 years ago from an adoption agency working with PetSmart. His name was MOUSE the day I brought him home. I was told they have animal behaviorists that appropriately name the dogs. Sad to say, it was an appropriate name… He was very timid. I was told he was confiscated from his previous owners, but would not tell me why. As soon as we got in the car, I told him his name was BUGSY. It took no time at all to realize this poor boy had been extremely abused. He knew nothing about being a dog like walking on a leash or going up and down stairs. His first introduction to stairs was bittersweet. I felt that going down the stairs first might be easier… He scooted all the way down the stairs on his belly. It was funny to see this, but it made me cry sad tears. Bugsy is an awesome dog. My chiweenie has taught him how to be a dog, including a few bad habits that Bugsy thinks is hilarious, like barking. I tell him to stop, and he continues to try under his breath, almost as if he is arguing with me. He definitely is a hunter. He killed a chicken a few weeks ago, but I’m not sure he realizes what he did. He loves his toys, so I’m thinking maybe he thought that’s what it was. I really love my Bugsy, and I am so happy that I took a chance on a very frightened timid dog. He is a natural emotional support dog. I have Multiple Sclerosis, and he is right by my side to help me through the difficult times. I rely on him more than he relies on me.
Sherrie says
The best dog I ever had was a whippet terrier mix. She was a rescue dog and lived for 14 wonderful years. She was easy to train, very loving, and well behaved. I would love to have another and would appreciate any info on where I could find the mix breed.
Daniella B says
5/11 my husband and I adopted a puppy, her paper work says Whippet and Terror mix. her estimated born date is 2/26/19. I did not know what a Whippet was until I looked it up. I would like to do a DNA test just to see exactly what breeds my new baby is. I can tell you she is very affectionate and wants to be with me every second, she will not sleep unless I am right next to her and she does not like her crate. She loves to give kisses and hugs. I am trying to crate train her. Any advise on training her? I can see that she is a bit stubborn already. She likes to bark when I try to correct her, if I tell her not to do something she with bark as though she is talking back to me. Kind of cute but I do not want her to be a barker or biter. How can I stop that?
Deb says
This breed of dog doent like to be in confined spots, like crates.
I adopted on thats jack Russell and whippet mix. She had been returned to shelter 5 times before she was a year old. Ive had her 5 years now and shea is the sweetness baby ever. Although she has developed diabetes we are getting that straight.
JayB says
I got a rescue about two years ago and the vet claims he’s a Whippet/Terrier but no telling unless we do a DNA test. He definitely looks like a Whippet with the long neck, muscular torso, coloring and short coat. His ears are strange though. one is flopped forward, like a Whippet, but the other stands straight up. He’s fast like a Whippet, never barks (he’ll make crying or groaning noises if he wants your attention) and just loves to cuddle and kiss. He’s THE most affectionate dog on the planet. I just love my Whippet mix and hope I can find him a sister or brother some day.
Kathleen Miller says
Hi Jay
I am considering adopting a rat terrier whippet mix puppy. They sound like a nice dog. Could you tell me how much you dog weighs?
Thank you
Kathleen Miller
Robin says
Hi Jay,
I too rescued a dog that I believe is whippet/terrier mix. Ironically, only one of her ears stands up as well. She rarely barks, is a natural “hunter” as I call her, and is smart, quick, affectionate, and sometimes stubborn with that “no way” look. Extremely intelligent. Loves everything….people, children, all other dogs big or small.
I love this girl to the moon and back and feel blessed to have found her.
For a family, this is a perfect pet. My grandsons LOVE her, especially chasing her around the yard when she “skidaddles” at breakneck speed.
Sally W Kirkpatrick says
Got a Whippet Terrier puppy from a shelter 9 months ago. She is the sweetest, most sensitive dog. Even though she has moments of light stubbornness, she is easy to train and incredibly smart and social. Sadly, my 2 older animals passed last week and she fell into a deep depression. By grace of God, I found an almost identical Whippet Terrier mix on the internet at a nearby low kill shelter. It is amazing! They are two peas in a pod! They are about the same age and so identical, they could be litter mates, though the new dog has a slightly more whippet look. He is also very sensitive and wants to please during training. I am amazed at how wonderful this crossbreed is. Although both are too insecure (being pound puppies) for trials at this time, I hope eventually they may try this, at least in play. They are both easy to send. For now, they love to play together. They are a joy to have. Both excellent dogs! If you have a chance to get one, do so!
Kathleen Miller says
Hi Sally
I am considering adopting a rat terrier whippet mix puppy. They sound like a nice dog. Could you tell me how much you dog weighs?
Thank you
Kathleen Miller